Alex Ruben
How to Reactivate Your Windows 10 or 11 Digital License After Formatting Your Laptop
If you’ve recently formatted your laptop and are struggling to reactivate your Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation using your digital license key, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this challenge, especially when their devices come with OEM pre-installed Windows. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of finding your digital license key and reactivating your Windows installation. By the end of this tutorial, you will have successfully reactivated your Windows OS and restored full functionality.
Before we begin, ensure you have a stable internet connection and that your laptop is equipped with Windows 10 or 11. If you have formatted your device, you will need either the OEM key or access to an application that can retrieve your digital license information.
Step 1: Finding Your Windows Digital License Key
To reactivate Windows, you first need to locate your digital license key. If your laptop was pre-installed with Windows, the key might be physically located on a sticker underneath the device. If you cannot find the sticker, follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- Navigate to System, then click on Activation.
- Look for the option to Change product key. If your key is listed there, take note of it.
Step 2: Using an Application to Retrieve Your Product Key
If you cannot locate your product key manually, you can use an application called ShowKey Plus, available from the Microsoft Store. Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install ShowKey Plus from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the application. It will display both your installed and OEM keys.
- Write down or take a photo of the key for future use.
Step 3: Formatting and Reinstalling Windows
Once you have your digital license key, you can format your laptop and reinstall Windows:
- Boot from your Windows installation media and follow the prompts to format your existing installation.
- Proceed with the installation of Windows 10 or 11.
Step 4: Reactivating Windows
After reinstalling Windows, you’ll need to reactivate it:
- Click on the Start menu again and go to Settings.
- Select System and then Activation.
- Click on the Change product key button.
- Enter the digital license key you retrieved earlier and click Next.
- Ensure your internet connection is active during this process.
- After a few moments, Windows will connect to Microsoft’s servers and activate your digital license.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips that might help you during the activation process:
- Make sure your device is connected to the internet during activation.
- If you encounter errors, check your key for any typos or errors in entry.
- Ensure that your Windows version matches the license type (e.g., Home vs. Pro).
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should successfully reactivate your Windows 10 or 11 installation using your digital license key. If you face any issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for additional help. Remember to keep your Windows product key in a safe place for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my digital license key?
If you lost access to your digital license key, you can retrieve it using the ShowKey Plus application, provided you can still access your Windows installation.
Can I use the same key on multiple devices?
Generally, a digital license key is tied to a single device. If you want to install Windows on a new device, you would need a separate license.
What should I do if activation fails?
If activation fails, ensure that you are entering the correct key and that your system is connected to the internet. If problems persist, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.